Youngster Ayush Shetty delivered another impressive performance to defeat World No. 30 Brian Yang in three games, while veteran PV Sindhu once again crashed out in the opening round, continuing her struggle on the BWF World Tour.
In the opening round of men’s singles, Ayush Shetty overcame a slow start to script a commanding comeback against Canada’s Brian Yang, winning 20-22, 21-10, 21-8.
Shetty, currently ranked 41 in the world, will now climb to a career-high World No. 36 after this result. More importantly, this victory marks another step forward in his transition from a promising junior to a serious threat on the senior circuit.
What made the win even more impressive was the manner in which Shetty bounced back after a nervy start. Trailing 4-11 in the first game, the Indian showed tremendous composure and rallied to level the scores at 19-all before narrowly losing it 20-22.
From there on, the 20-year-old looked in total control. He stormed through the next two games, dropping just 18 points combined, as he outplayed the former Pan American champion with his aggressive court coverage, consistent smashes, and smart shot selection.
With coach Agus Dwi Santoso Irwansyah in his corner, Shetty appeared calm and tactical, showing maturity well beyond his years. This was also his second win over Brian Yang in recent months, having beaten him earlier in Taipei.
Shetty will now face France’s Toma Junior Popov in the Round of 16, a match that could further cement his rise in the international arena.
Sindhu’s Struggles Continue in Kuala Lumpur
While Ayush Shetty’s win brought cheer to Indian fans, the same could not be said for PV Sindhu, who suffered her 10th loss in 13 matches this season. The two-time Olympic medallist was knocked out in the Round of 32 by Vietnam’s Thuy Linh Nguyen in a three-game battle: 11-21, 21-14, 15-21.
Sindhu looked out of rhythm from the start, losing the first game quickly. She did manage to rally and take the second, but errors crept back into her game in the decider. Nguyen, ranked 26 in the world, played a consistent and smart match, exploiting Sindhu’s movement and erratic finishing to take control late in the third.
The loss marks Sindhu’s second straight defeat to Nguyen, further highlighting her continued struggle with form and confidence. There was some on-court drama too, as Sindhu received a red card and a one-point penalty during the final stages of the match — a rare occurrence that underlined her frustration.
This result is also reflective of a larger decline. Once a feared opponent at the biggest stages, Sindhu now faces serious questions about her future on the tour. With early exits becoming the norm and no signs of resurgence, it might be time for a recalibrated approach — or even a shift in focus to a lighter schedule.
For Indian fans, Ayush Shetty’s rapid rise is a bright spot. He continues to show that he belongs among the next generation of elite shuttlers, and his matches are now becoming must-watch affairs. His Round of 16 clash against Toma Popov will be a big test, but based on current form, he has every chance of progressing further.
On the other hand, PV Sindhu’s future seems uncertain. With each loss, the gap between her and the current top players widens. While her achievements remain iconic, the present demands tough decisions — perhaps even stepping back from top-tier events to rebuild her game and confidence.
As the Malaysia Masters 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on the youngsters like Ayush to carry Indian hopes forward — while fans wait to see whether Sindhu can find a path back to her former self.
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